CHAPTER 41
Wes
WatchingBailey let her guard down around her family is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen. Slowly but surely throughout the day, she seems to get lighter and lighter. I just watch, not involving myself too much because I don’t have anything to add to the conversations. I’m just here for Bailey. Watching her be like this with her family after she was so worried makes me feel so much better about coming.
I think of the alternative where I would’ve been alone in my house with Bruno, not doing anything. Maybe I could’ve gone to the animal shelter. Those dogs still need attention, even on the holidays. Once we’re back, I’ll make sure to bring treats to spoil them.
Even though I’m not used to being around so many people at one time, I manage to feel good around this group. Brent and Bailey are similar in how quiet they are, always observing everyone. Brynn is a lot more outspoken than they are and so is her husband. Though I can see how the rest of the guys didn’t get along with him.
The day is mostly peaceful, and it’s the best Christmas I’ve had since I was a kid. I try to fight off the memories of my own family, of what it was like when my parents were still around. Of the happy house we had, and then what it was like after my dad died. My mom still tried, she really did, but it was never the same. Then I was grown and out of the house and before I knew it, she was gone, too.
It’s just been me ever since. So being here with this large family is foreign, but not entirely awful like I would’ve thought it would be.
I think I’ve got Bailey to thank for that. I know she was scared to see her family after so long. I know there are things I don’t know about their history, but from what I’ve seen none of that even matters.
“She seems like she’s doing well,” Brent says quietly while everyone else is talking.
“She is.” I nod.
“Thanks for being there for her, I know she’s a stubborn one.”
I huff a small laugh. “Yeah she is.”
“Wait. Did you say the bird talks?” Chandler tries to clarify after Bailey tells them about life in Amity.
“Yeah. Jerry Lee, he says some wild shit.” She looks wide eyed at Evie who’s still preoccupied with her toys, but corrects herself. “Stuff. Anyway, he’s wild and Lily has started teaching him more things she probably shouldn’t.”
“Lily sounds like my kind of girl.” Brynn smiles. “Brent, you should get a bird.”
“Absolutely not. We’re about to have two little girls around here.Youget a bird.”
“No can do, big bro. I’m about to have two little somethings running around of my own. Well, I guess mine won’t be running for a while.” Brynn smiles down at her still mostly flat stomach, and pats it lightly.
I’ve never wanted kids. But the way her husband places his hand over hers, the love in their eyes as they talk about the future has the piece of stone in my chest where a heart used to be crumbling as it starts to feel things.
“I got a dog,” Bailey blurts.
“Aw, I would love a dog.” Brynn looks like she may start crying again. “What kind?”
“She’s a Golden mix and her name is Sadie.” Bailey smiles talking about her new friend and I can’t help but smile with her.
“Next time, you should bring her.” Brynn’s face dims slightly, “I mean, if you plan to come back again.”
Bailey’s shoulders drop, and I can feel her guilt from here. “I will. I promise.”
“I don’t know about the rest of you, but I want some pie,” Matt announces, breaking the simmering tension.
“What pie?” Brent questions.
“The one Chandler made last night when she couldn’t sleep because the future hockey player she’s growing wouldn’t stop kicking,” Matt explains.
Brent looks at Chandler. “You could’ve asked for help.”
“Sleeping? I don’t think there’s anything you could have done to help.” Chandler chuckles.
“Don’t start being gross.” Brynn grimaces.
“How is that being gross?” Brent asks.
